Page 41 of Lie to Me

Just like I knew he would, he huffs, but doesn’t answer, because that is exactly what was going through his head.

“I’m still pissed you didn’t tell me,” he grumbles. “And you need a guard on you, Sloane. I know you don’t like it, but I’ll never be able to concentrate, let alone rest, if I don’t know that you’re safe.”

He begins pacing the kitchen, running his hands through his hair as he does.

“I guess it makes sense now, why Marco called me and asked me why you didn’t have a guard. But wait.” He spins towards me. “Why isn’t he here now? Why aren’t you staying with him?”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“You’ve been spending time with Marco, no?” A look of confusion passes across his face. “I figured you were back together?”

“Why the hell are you so obsessed with this? You do realize you aren’t even supposed to like him? You should be warning him away from me, not pushing him towards me. And after what he did ten years ago, how can you want that for me?”

“For fuck’s sake, Sloane!” he snaps, and I jolt from the change in his attitude. “I swear, you’re so fucking stubborn. He didn’t just break your heart because he didn’t care.He knew.”

He knew? Who knew what?

He couldn’t mean…

“No,” I whisper in horror.

Finn gives me a reluctant nod, regret clear in his eyes.

“What happened?” I bark and he sighs.

“I don’t know all the details. I just know that Marco did what he had to do to keep you safe, which is why I know he’s perfect for you. He may have broken your heart, little sis, but he broke his own, too, just to make sure you were okay. I didn’t want to tell you back then because I knew you would do something that none of us could take back. I was fucking terrified about what Dad would do to you if you stayed, so I persuaded him to send you to live with Aunt Jen.” Anger that I’ve never felt towards my brother before bubbles to the surface.

He knew. All these years, my dad knew and Finn didn’t tell me.

And Marco. Oh my god, Marco.

He’s been trying to tell me, trying to get me to listen to his side of things.

“I’m sorry, Sloane,” he whispers.

I don’t respond. I turn and walk right out the door.

I know I should talk to him. I should talk to Marco, too, but what I really need right now is to be alone. I feel like a little girl again, hiding from my father’s wrath. And I guess, in a way, that’s exactly what I’m doing. He may be dead, but the consequences of his actions will live on forever.

I may be able to forgive Marco, but he’ll never be able to forgive me for everything that followed.

I can’t expect him to forgive me when I can’t even forgive myself.

Chapter Nineteen

Sloane

Past – September 2014

There’s an ominous feeling in my gut as I step off the elevator and into Marco’s apartment.

We hadn’t planned to see each other tonight, but he called me an hour ago and asked me to meet him at his place, so here I am.

I find Marco sitting on the sofa, clutching a glass of what looks like whiskey.

My brows furrow. “Are you drinking whiskey? You hate whiskey.”

He stares at me, though it seems like he’s looking right through me and tips his head in a single nod.

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